Remembering 9/11

September 11, 2017

On the 16th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, we remember the words of former D.C. Bar President John Payton, who passed away in 2012. As president of the Bar at the time, Payton wrote a powerful letter to the staff about the tragedy and its impact on the country.

"We all have fear and deep anxiety about the future. Many of us are not looking forward to getting on our next airplane or going up into a skyscraper. We may be nervous about who is sitting next to us, But we dare not let our fears rip apart the fabric of our society. And this is where the Bar has a special interest and a special responsibility. Civil liberties and civil rights are not just slogans. They are aspects of our society that Americans of all colors, religions, and ethnic backgrounds have given their lives to establish. As Americans, as a member of our communities, and as members of our profession, we have to ensure that these essential aspects of our society are protected and preserved."